Southern Shores of Singapore
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What people say about the Southern shores
and plans for its development


Feedback Unit, Government Consultation Portal
What are your views on the setting up of a casino in Singapore?

A selection of responses that mentioned the reefs and wildlife of the Southern shores
23 Mar and earlier | 24-26 Mar | 27-30 Mar | 31 Mar-8 Apr | 9-12 Apr | 15-16 Apr | The full thread


A world clas reef: our natural heritage
Jani Thuaibah 31/03/2004 06:49:36PM

Just to add some numbers to the facts: If you compare the amount of coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef's (GBR) 350,000 sq km of reefs, with Singapore's mere ~54 sq km, we are definitely of world class standards.

The Great Barrier Reef, within that large extent, has about 500 species of corals, where as Singapore, which is a mere fraction of GBR's size, has at least 197 species of corals. We have almost half the number of species of corals found at GBR in Singapore's reef's whose size is a mere 0.0154%.

Not being able to see these wonders does not mean that they are not there. The reason why not everyone can appreciate our rich marine biodiversity is because it is restricted to those who are sharp enough and trained enough to see what is in our waters.

And the reason for this would be because the visibility of our waters is so horrible. And the reason for that would be... In the 1960s, the visibility of Singapore's waters used to be at least 10m, but due to coastal developments and reclamation, the visibility now has dropped to about 1.5m (on an average to good day) due to the increased sediment load in the water.

Our waters are not polluted, it is just full of sediments. How do the sediments get there? Reclamation. All that sand and muck being thrown into our waters along with all that dredging. It is really a wonder we still have such rich marine life. It is not because Singapore has naturally murky waters, it is because we made it that way.

Singapore already HAS a world class reef, it is just a matter of developing this potential, or incorporating this potential into whatever plans Singapore might have. We have already made way for so many developments in the past and sacrifised almost all of our natural heritage for the sake of economy.

It is really time for Singaporeans to consider saving a part of your natural heritage for your children and your children's children, and even the tourists, to experience a truly uniquely Singaporean encounter.

RE: A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Eddie Chong Poo Aik 31/03/2004 12:14:15PM

Yes it is a good idea. Some suggestions to further enhance it:

1) Link up the small islands around Sentosa with Sentosa. In order to draw the rich and famous it must be of a very high class development.

2) For Singaporeans, develop Pulau Ubin into a more affordable resort type development for living as well as a playground. Reclaimed land round the whole island and improve on the `horrible' beaches. Why are we so emotional on preserving things. If we need to see swamps, old derelict houses, corals and etc we can always go to our neighbouring countries. We are too small to preserve everything. We need to do business and create jobs.

3) Transportation should be convenient and modern e.g the MRT for these places.

4) Kindly forward this to the relevant Hon. Ministers for their attention.

RE: A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Wesley Pang 01/04/2004 04:09:07PM

I would like to suggest the building of bridges rather than causeway or reclamation to link the Southern Islands. A bridge(s)will lessen impact on the water flow and cause minimal damage to the marine life. Moreover, it would look good and will even allow the passage of ships/boats.

On the other hand, the draw of the islands lie in its far removed location which can be reached only by boat or other sea transport. If a road link is built, the romance of these islands is gone. If you look at Macau, many people travel from HK by high speed jetfoils, and it does not deter people from going there in spite of its location before it built an airport. Even with the airport, many still travel from HK to Macau by jetfoil. If the idea is to link the islands, I suggest a bridge or bridges. It would be ideal if these islands are not linked by any infrastructure except by sea transport.

RE: A Casino in Singapore?
Vernon Voon 01/04/2004 11:14:22PM

I'm concerned about the environmental impact on our world class coral reefs? Can they be saved?

Development and Conservation: Eternal enemies? Time for Enmity
Yang Shufen 02/04/2004 10:32:03PM

Let me first of all applaud the idea of creating something ?uniquely Singaporean?

There is a basket of benefits to be reaped from this plan. Tourism is a big money-making industry, one of the recent examples is New Zealand, from the movie "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that helped boost New Zealand's tourism dollar close to that of its long established dairy exports. New chances await the industry operators and job seekers, promising the people of another path of wealth besides the growing life sciences sector. In addition, Sentosa had long been a tourist spot, albeit a money-losing one, despite attempts throughout the years to improve.

The need for total revival of the place cannot be understated. In line with Singapore's development into a modern city, it is true that having a high-class resort (complete with a WORLD-CLASS casino) would fit into the image and enhance our stand in Asia and the world as well. I also understand that residential plans on the new resort had been included too.

For the Singaporeans who have always coveted the idea of luxurious, waterfront living away from the buzz of the city, this is good news. In all, a whole new style living will thus be open, adding to variety of choices and vibrant lifestyle of Singapore. The theme "Uniquely Singapore" might then not just be limited to attracting tourists, but for the pride and identity of the locals as well.

So what is the issue here then? Singapore had attained whole-class status for many areas, one of which the most famous, is our airport. Other outstanding fields include healthcare, high education proficiency level, low or no corruption and clean environment.

Are we stopping there? Apparently not! After being well-known for producing Maths whizzes; we go for all-rounders, the sports school (Sports Academy?) spring into the scene and creativity comes under the limelight. High healthcare standards then begin to path the way for attracting patients all over the world. Even our media are scoring well. The Straits Times newspaper have won many international, regional awards for reports, designs and layouts; and our homegrown films had gained some regional and international fame.

So who else, if any, is left out of these race, one may ask? Singapore is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, the biodiversity hotspots of the world. Without even efforts put in by us, we are naturally blessed and placed on the global map! We are, or should I say, we were, well-endowed with the two most diverse ecosystems available, the tropical rainforests and the coral reefs.

E.O. Wilson, in his book "The Diversity of Life", wrote, `Biodiversity is our most valuable but least appreciated resource'. This cannot be more aptly said, at a time when nations are always racing to get better and better, richer and richer, unknowingly, we are getting poorer and poorer.

How does economics and biodiversity cross arms? Money is for survival and wildlife are for enjoyment and appreciation? As ecotourism is all the rage nowadays, many countries have fattened their national wallets. Thailand, Malaysia, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and the now-famous New Zealand had also gained much from their biological wealth.

Where does Singapore stand, then, as many claimed, since we already have no more wildlife or nature areas? The first fact is, we still have our fair portion of biodiversity. Hard to believe, yes, but there are. just search the internet to look at the pictures of our local wildlife meticulously put up for the public to enjoy and feel proud of our national heritage.

The value of biodiversity stretches far beyond the above reasons. Global warming is one of the consequences we face by ignoring the beneficial cooling of the climate forest provide us with.

Closer to the heart, we rely on the tiny patch of tropical rainforest remaining in our central catchment area to ensure that our precious reservoirs do not dry up. The key here is development. For many years, development = progress while conservation = obstacle to development.

This is a long standing principle, beginning from our history of forest clearing for settlement since Raffles landed. The point is, is this mindset still relevant? The new fashion word in town has changed, if many had not realized. It's called 'sustainable development'.

Development, yes, with long term sustenance. In short, balance, is the way of life. Let's redo the Maths and put the mind right. As a nation achieving top standards in many areas, we score low for balancing nature and development.

One of the greatly criticism lies with our coastal development. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had not been heeded nor consulted in many cases, leading to our smothering of live corals, sedimentation of waters, resulting in awful sights, as well as limiting health reef growth with reduced visibility in our waters.

Reclamation of land is important, so is an equal view of the impacts on our reef life. I see the new upcoming major resort development as a great opportunity for both conservation and development to go hand in hand. Singapore is excellent in planning urban developments, hence no need for my recommendations.

My suggestion is to involve the natural vegetation and surrounding coral reefs in the plan. They are an asset, a valuable, natural resource to tap into. Additional economic losses will be incurred if natural life is considered; diverting or taking a longer route in construction of links and buildings, EIA reports potentially discouraging investors, silt curtains during constructions to reduce sedimentation and so forth. But, long term rewards are there.

In my view, the resort is a micro Singapore in the making, an all-rounder. It will encompass economic gains: a casino, with luxurious lodgings; well-architecturally designed hotels and spas, set in scenic environment; natural wild habitats and clean waters, all together.

RE: A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Teo Zhen Peng 04/04/2004 05:39:15PM

Leave the Southern Islands as it. We do not need to develope the place for their natural charm is enough. Can we be sure that by builting hotels,marinas,sports complexes,conventions centres, health spas, retail shops, resturants, theme attraction and casino would work. What is unique about all this that will attract anyone.

Except for casino we alredy have all of the above on mainland Singapore.To most it is not a novelty at all. Futhermore other countries has it too.

From previous experinces we also know that theme aatttraction will not work.Look at Har Par Villa and TAng Dynasty Park will say everything.

As for casino, why buit them for the few who are rich.It will only be a waste of precious land in Singapore.Though we can say it will rake in high profit,that will also mean gambler will lost just as much.

By the way I 'tolong' the government not to carry out land reclamation in the vicinity of the Southerrn Island, or even merge it with Sentosa by a land mass or bridge.This because the marine life especially the corals here would be affected.

And to built a bridge would mean more vehicles and more pollution to the islands.Futhermore forest would need to be clear to built carpark too.Existing commercial ferry would be a good pubilc transport.

Howevever why not extent the cable car line from Sentosa to the Southern Islands or even built a suspension bridge from Sentosa to the Southern Isand for pedestrains use. Acessibbility would increase and the environment would not be affected. This would be a win-win solution.

If you listen to me I would be happy and if action is done I would be more than happy.

RE: A Casino in Singapore?
Anonymous 06/04/2004 10:03:34AM

What I sincerely hope is that the government will be sensitive to the environment in their developmental plans.

Is it really justifiable to reclaim the Southern Islands for buiding a recreational facility? How about using already developed places like Sentosa?

How many places in Singapore are still left untouched, unspoilt? Once a place is built up, no matter how many trees are planted and how nice a garden landscape is created, it just won't be the same. The corals, the dolphins and whatever wildlife won't be there.

Why do outsiders criticise that Singaporeans lack roots? Perhaps it's because conservation is very low on our priority. I really wish we can be kinder and more respectful towards our natural heritage.

RE: A Casino in Singapore?
Girl 07/04/2004 04:37:33PM

Truly, a casino on the proposed international island resort will boost tourism from around the world, and especially in the region. However, it is worrying that the government is setting aside more of our natural environment to be replaced by man-made infrastructure.

A casino will boost the economy but hasten the loss of our country's natural landscape. Perhaps the government could consider an alternative that proves more environmentally-friendly yet benefitting the economy as much as a casino.

Perhaps it could tap the intellectual pool in Singapore to contribute to tourism instead? Also, there are many areas in Singapore already built on that are in dire need of revamping.

Perhaps we could maximise the land we are already working with yet further, before looking to other natural sites? Moreover, the casino, with all its restrictions and temptations to Singaporeans, may cause increased consciousness of the income gap between wealthy families and those of low income.

RE: A Casino in Singapore?
Elaine 08/04/2004 09:31:33AM

I don't feel that the casino will bring with it corruption. Maybe there'll be fewer people betting on soccer, that's all. (After all, there's a casino in Malaysia...so near!)

My concern is the threat to the coral reefs on the southern islands because of the reclamation works required for this casino. Please spare a thought for our natural environment (what little we have left!). It's sick that we have to go overseas to see something REAL and NATURAL.

RE: A Casino in Singapore?
foomt 08/04/2004 11:10:25AM

I agree with Elaine to keep the natural surroundings. It would be more attractive for people to relax gamble if surrounded by nature, we shouldn't reclaim the area around it & keep as many trees as possible, hopefully with some wild animals around.

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